New Withington record shop from team behind Crazy Pedro’s and Junkyard Golf Club to open on Record Store Day

A new independent record shop is opening this weekend in Withington – just in time for Record Store Day on Saturday 13th April.

The new store will host an all-day opening event on Saturday from 12 noon to 9pm, revealing the shop’s record collection for the first time, along with complimentary drinks and a tote bag with every vinyl purchase.

They’ll also be giving away a gin and tonic voucher, redeemable at the after-party at Solomons Café and Bar, just a short walk away, from 8pm until 1am.  

The team behind Wilderness Record Store includes local Withington resident Lyndon Higginson, whose Manchester city centre venues include Science & Industry, Crazy Pedro’s and Junkyard Golf Club, alongside Dan Morris, formerly of Trof and Cottonopolis, and Bart Murphy and Mat Lake from Junk Yard Golf Club.

“I love living in Withington, so I wanted my next project to be close to home to save me from trekking into Manchester and have a local hangout,” says Lyndon.

“The timings are perfect with Record Store Day this weekend and we want to invite the local community, neighbours and music heads to come along and party with us all day in the store then onto Solomons at night.”

For the launch on Saturday, in-house selector Mof Gimmers will share his taste in a wide selection of genres from rock, hip hop, electronic and dance music and many others in between.

As well as new releases, re-releases and a selection of second-hand vinyls, there will be a strong focus on supporting and showcasing local labels such as Finders Keepers and Be With.

“Expect to find hidden gems from all over the world and shop in a really relaxed and inclusive store. No snobbery, just good vibes and great music,” says Mof.

The record store will also incorporate a café serving freshly made toasties, cakes, pastries, a range of interesting beers and wines and the venue’s very own Wilderness gin and tonics.

Following the daytime event, the evening party at Solomons starts with a DJ set from Lyndon Higginson (8-9pm) then live sets from local bands Heavy Salad (9pm) and Leather Party (9.45pm), followed by Leeds party band Cow Town (10.30pm).

There will be a DJ set from Pins (11pm-1am) to close the party. Come early, because the first 25 guests at 8pm can bag a signed EP from the English rock band.

There are already plans for expansion. From June 2019 the venue will double in size, open a year-round garden terrace, and launch an events programme that will include Q&As with artists and DJs, film screenings, and creative workshops.

Wilderness Record Store will be open daily from 9am-9pm and Sunday (times to be confirmed) at 9 Egerton Crescent, Withington, M20 4PN.